Truck fires are a growing problem for the trucking industry. More truck losses are caused by fire than driver fatigue, according to Australia’s leading truck insurer, National Transport Insurance (NTI).*
At the 2013 PACCAR and Dealer TMC, NTI National Manager Industry Relations Owen Driscoll will share his recommendations on how to minimise the risk of non-impact fires in truck fleets.
The author of NTI’s series of major accident investigation reports, Mr Driscoll is also the Director of Research of the National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) and director of the TruckSafe safety accreditation program.
“It can’t be ignored. In 2011, 12.1% of the major losses reported to NTI were attributed to non-impact fires, with an average fire loss of $170,000 for each incident. Undoubtedly, the incident rate of fire losses has increased substantially since we first researched them in the 2005 study,” Mr Driscoll said.
“These fire losses originated from failed wheel bearings, brakes, engine, cabin electrical wiring and trailer refrigeration equipment. It naturally raises the question of whether the standard of quality and regular equipment maintenance has become less rigorous.
“Workshop technicians can remove many of the risk factors for these fires with preventative measures such as installing circuit breaker protection, ensuring proper tyre inflation and checking wiring for rubbing.
“Truck fires represent an enormous loss to the industry. It’s essential that all operators and workshop staff across Australia are aware of the risk factors and work to manage them within their fleet.”
TMC2013 will run from Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 October at the Automotive Centre of Excellence at the Kangan Institute in Docklands, Melbourne.
‘Truck fires and incidents – lessons from insurance investigations for maintenance personnel’ will start at 8:00am on Tuesday 29 October.
TMC2013 also features technical forums on key issues like truck electrical fault finding, parts purchasing and tyre selection and maintenance, as well as hands-on product training workshops delivered by leading suppliers including Cummins, Eaton and BPW Transpec.
Delegates will go back to work with great ideas, new connections and a certificate of attendance for each workshop you attend, signed by the manufacturer and TMC.
For the full TMC2013 program and to register, go to www.truck.net.au/tmc.
*According to the 2013 National Transport Insurance (NTI) Major Accident Investigation Report, which tracked 461 claims of over $50,000 made to NTI during 2011.
